Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1325752
78 SAG-AFTRA | Winter 2021 | sagaftra.org Creating True, Lasting Change Torres' and Midthunder's sentiments speak to many of the stories and the sense of personal responsibility panelists have voiced throughout the livestream series. Beyond simply noting what needs to change, many have also talked about how they're approaching that work in purposeful, impactful ways. "It's not just having a face in [the room] to satisfy the quota; it's more about focusing on the individual's journey," said casting director Leslie Woo. "Individual journeys are the key … hearing about different perspectives and [bringing about change]." Although content creation is often touted as a means to further one's career, actor Nic Novicki spoke about it as a means to increase the visibility of diverse performers. "As a little person, I learned pretty quickly that I was going to have to write my own stuff," said Novicki. "If I wanted to play the gangster or the lawyer, I was going to have to figure out how to create it myself." Actor Glenn Stanton placed importance on continuing to advocate for diversity and inclusion in writers' rooms and casting offices, as well as among decision-makers at larger-scale networks and studios. "When [someone is] sitting down with a consultant, they have to check their defensive mechanisms and ego at the door," said Stanton. "Allow that person to talk … so that you can understand and tell the story more responsibly and fully than you would otherwise." Although true change can only take place through purposeful, direct action, the PTEOE Storytelling series has shown the willingness of industry professionals to do the necessary work of increasing diversity and changing the way characters are portrayed. "We each have, no matter where we are in the industry, [the responsibility] to be a gatekeeper," said SAG-AFTRA National Board member Yvette Nicole Brown. "I think there was this myth that there was only one [person of color] who could make it, and you had to make sure it was you. But that is not true: If one person gets in, they can hold the door open for 20 other people."